They are all in their thirties and are thirsty for change. XPRESS reporter Zaher Bitar spoke to the youth leaders of the UAE.
Najla Al Awadi, Dubai
Najla Al Awadi, 30, is one of the youngest members of the new Federal National Council (FNC).
She broke the professional glass ceiling after completing her US education and being appointed deputy chief executive officer of Dubai Media Inc, which runs several TV channels based in Dubai.
She vowed to make a spirited push for modernity and reforms.
“It is the first step in the right direction. We are laying down the foundations of democracy for the coming generations,'' she said.
Najla calls herself an incorrigible optimist. “We have a lot of work to do in the next two years. It is a difficult challenge, but not impossible.''
She said legislative plans are achievable. “Since we work for the benefit of the country and the people, there should be direct contact with the public.''
Maysa Ghadeer, Dubai
Maysa Ghadeer, 31, one of the eight FNC members from Dubai, hates failure. The divorced mother of one brims with enthusiasm and ambition.
Her appointment to the FNC comes at what she terms an exciting turning point in the country's history.
“This is the first step, and the leadership of this country has spearheaded the move towards democratisation,'' the columnist in the Arabic Al Bayan newspaper said.
“I believe in the adage, ‘Work to plan and plan to work.' Planning requires experience, or the wisdom of age. Work requires energy.''
Maysa studied Arabic literature at Al Ain University and is now working on her masters degree.
She said her marital break-up had made her more responsible and self-reliant.
Dr Nedal Al Tunaiji, Ras Al Khaimah
She is still single at 31, an age that raises eyebrows of traditionalists. But the US-educated Dr Nedal Al Tunaiji who represents Ras Al Khaimah is not bothered.
With a PhD in Education Leadership Innovation under her belt, she loves what she does and does what she loves.
“The radical change in the FNC is a significant step to meet the requirements of development and progress in the country,'' she said.
Nedal left her academic career as assistant professor of information technology at UAE University to join politics in December.
The eldest daughter among nine children, comes from a prominent family in RAK.
Though her appointment to the FNC came as a surprise, she vows to make a difference.
Khalifa Bin Huwaiden, Sharjah
Khalifa Bin Huw-aiden, a Sharjah-based FNC member, believes the presence of younger members in the parliament will inject fresh blood of modernity to match the needs of the economic boom the UAE faces now.
Khalifa, 37, said: “The young generation has proven its ability and enthusiasm to lead and tackle responsibilities handed down by the older generation.''
Khalifa holds a masters degree in law from the Dubai Police Academy. He worked as a legal consultant in government before joining parliament.
The father of six – five sons and a daughter – lives with his parents in Dhaid.
“The current parliament is just the first step to a more mature and effective council with a more profound national role,'' he said.
Their Views On Education
Najla: “The media can help in reforming the education system through ‘edutainment' programmes that would have positive cultural and intellectual impacts on youngsters.''
Maysa: “The educational system must match what's taught in schools with what the labour market requires. We must take care of teachers, through regular training and proper compensation.''
Nedal: “The education system in the UAE needs major reforms. The main problem in education lies in management.''
Khalifa: “The educational system needs a federal body to scrutinise lapses. We must use the best academic solutions to improve the teachers as well as the curriculum.''
Their Views On Emiratisation
Najla: “We should not force the private sector to employ unqualified Emiratis. We should employ the right person for the job. We have to work to train our youth and make them more employable.''
Maysa: “Authorities should pay attention to the question of identity and population imbalance. We have to protect our language and religion.''
Nedal: “Emiratisation must tackle the obstacles Emiratis face in landing a job in the private sector.''
Khalifa: “Private companies in the UAE should adopt a policy of hiring Emiratis to make up two per cent of their staff, this would produce job opportunities for the 32,000 jobless Emiratis.''
Their Views On Women
Najla: “We should help change society's perception of women. We can be housewives, but we can also lead. Women's role cannot be underestimated.''
Maysa: “The fact that women account for 22.5 per cent of the FNC members is a clear message about the faith UAE authorities have in our role in political decision-making.''
Nedal: “Emirati women are very lucky. Our rulers believe in the effective role we play in society. We have equal rights and duties
to men.''
Khalifa: “Some women are more qualified and efficient than men. Emirati women have the right to take part in the political domain.''
Their Views On Human Rights
Najla: “My priority is social justice. I will fight for human dignity. We should put more efforts into developing and defending women's and children's rights as well.''
Maysa: “FNC members will support UAE authorities to protect both Emiratis' and expatriates' rights and we will help enhance these rights.''
Nedal: “The final draft of the UAE Labour Law is under discussion. This would state the rights and duties of employers and employees.''
Khalifa: “The UAE authorities are doing their best to provide guarantees to expatriates that their rights will be protected.''
